Infant bed support systems

ABSTRACT

Infant bed support systems comprising an infant bed support that allows a mattress to be used as an infant bed to prevent rolling. The infant bed support systems offers users a simple way to convert virtually any mattress into a safe area on which an individual may sleep. Infant bed support may assist individuals in feeling at ease as the individual sleeps, without worrying that the individual may be in danger of rolling out of bed or crawling out of a crib. The infant bed support may be ideal for use while traveling, when a crib and other traditional means, may be unavailable. The infant bed support comprises: a sheet having a plurality of bands; a removably attachable body-suit; and a fabric extension member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/427,242, filed Dec. 27, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of infant bedding means and more specifically relates to infant bed support systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Individuals in modern society typically sleep in beds. Babies typically sleep in cribs; however conventional-type beds may not be safe as constructed. Caregivers may often worry about their fragile infant rolling from the bed. Some may use pillows and blankets to surround a sleeping child but this may also prove to be a hazard, and may not always be an option. Bumpers and the like may be expensive and may only be used within a crib. When traveling, toting a bulky crib or a similar item may not be feasible. Visiting at residences without infant bedding may also create problems, whereby the infant does not have a suitably safe place to sleep. Having a simple and safe way to convert any mattress into a secure infant bed that prevents rolling, but allows some free movement, may assist individuals in having a more pleasant and worry-free experience.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,225,484; 6,834,405; 6,381,785; 2,917,044; 2,456,898; and 5,746,219. This prior art is representative of infant bedding support systems. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, an infant bedding support should be user-friendly and safe and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable infant bed support systems to convert virtually any mattress into a safe area on which a child may sleep without worrying that the child may be in danger of rolling out of bed or crawling out of a crib and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known infant bedding support systems art, the present invention provides novel infant bed support systems. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to convert virtually any mattress into a safe area on which a child may sleep without worrying that the child may be in danger of rolling out of bed or crawling out of a crib. The infant bedding support systems is ideal for use while traveling, such as when a crib and other traditional means may be unavailable.

The present infant bed support systems as disclosed herein preferably comprises: a sheet having a plurality of bands; a removably attachable body-suit; and a fabric extension member. The bands preferably each comprise a first end and a second end and a middle portion joining the first end and said second end. The removably attachable body-suit, the fabric extension member and the sheet in combination comprise an infant-support-assembly.

The sheet is located on the top surface of the mattress and comprises a middle section (and surrounding sections.) This middle section comprises at least one first fastener and at least one second fastener. The first fastener preferably comprises at least one zipper. The zipper may be located on a front section of the removably attachable body-suit, such that the removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around a torso of the individual (baby/toddler or other.) The plurality of bands attach about (around) a mattress and comprise at least one fabric. The bands may comprise hook and loop fasteners located on the second end(s) of the band(s). The first end(s) of the band(s) are fixedly attached to the sheet in preferred embodiments. The second end(s) of the band(s) are attachable to the middle portion of the band (to itself) such that the bands are securely strapped around the exterior of the mattress.

The fabric extension member is connected to the removably attachable body-suit which is removably attached to the sheet permitting a pre-determined movement distance for the individual in relation to the mattress. The mattress has a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The right sidewall, the left sidewall, the top sidewall, said bottom sidewall, the top surface, and the bottom surface comprise an exterior of the mattress.

The removably attachable body-suit comprises a restrainer. The second fastener comprises at least one snap that removably attaches to a piece of fabric sewn to the back of the removably attachable body-suit. The snap is located on a bottom section of the removably attachable body-suit, such that the removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around legs of the individual. The removably attachable body-suit is donnable over clothing of the individual in preferred embodiments or serves as clothing for the individual. The restrained individual may be a baby or a non-baby (toddler/special needs adult for example.)

A kit is embodied herein for the infant bed support systems comprising: a sheet having a plurality of bands; a removably attachable body-suit; and a set of user-instructions.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein preferably comprising: attaching an infant-support-assembly to a mattress; donning an individual with a removably attachable body-suit; and thereby restraining the individual from rolling off the mattress. The method further comprises the step of removing and storing the infant-support-assembly for at least one future use in a remote location.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an infant bed support systems. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, infant bed support systems constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating infant bed support systems in an ‘in-use’ position according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an infant bed support of the infant bed support systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another view of the infant bed support of the infant bed support systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating yet another view of the infant bed support of the infant bed support systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yet another view of the infant bed support of the infant bed support systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to infant bedding means and more particularly to infant bed support systems for converting a mattress into a safe surface area on which an individual may sleep.

Referring now to the drawings FIG. 1, showing perspective view of infant bed support systems 100 in ‘in-use’ condition 106 according to embodiments of the present invention. Infant bed support systems 100 comprises infant bed support 102 that preferably allows mattress 170 to be used as an infant bed to effectively prevent rolling (past a specified and pre-determined distance.) Further, infant bed support systems 100 offers users a simple way to convert any mattress into a safe surface area on which individual 180 may sleep. Infant bed support 102 may assist individuals in feeling at ease as individual 180 sleeps, without worrying that individual 180 may be in danger of rolling out of bed or crawling out of a crib. Infant bed support 102 is preferably ideal for use while traveling, when a crib and other traditional means, may be unavailable.

Referring now to the drawings FIGS. 2-5, showing perspective views of infant bed support 102 according to embodiments of the present invention. Infant bed support 102 herein preferably comprises: sheet 110 having a plurality of bands 120; removably attachable body-suit 130; and fabric extension member 150. Bands 120 each preferably comprise first end 122 and second end 126 and middle portion 124 joining the first end 122 second end 126 as shown best in FIGS. 2 & 3. Bands 120 preferably attach (around) about mattress 170. Further, bands 120 may comprise fabric and hook and loop fasteners 128 such that they may be removably attached with relative ease. Hook and loop fasteners 128 are preferably located on second end(s) 126 of band(s) 126. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, snaps, zippers etc., may be sufficient as well as they may be located in other suitable positioning on bands 120.

Mattress 170 has a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The right sidewall, the left sidewall, the top sidewall, the bottom sidewall, the top surface, and the bottom surface comprise exterior 174 of mattress 170. First end(s) 122 of band(s) 120 are fixedly attached to sheet 110. Second end(s) 126 of band(s) 120 are attachable to middle portion 124 of band 120 such that bands 120 are strapped around exterior 174 of mattress 170 as shown best in FIGS. 2 & 3.

Removably attachable body-suit 130 is removably attached to sheet 110 via fabric extension member 150 in preferred embodiments. Removably attachable body-suit 130, fabric extension member 150 and sheet 110 in combination comprise infant-support-assembly 160.

Sheet 110 is preferably located on top surface 174 of mattress 174 as shown best in FIGS. 4 & 5. Removably attachable body-suit 130 may be fastened to sheet 110 such that individual 180 is kept positioned on sheet 110 within confines of infant-support-assembly 160 to prevent individual 180 from rolling on and falling off mattress 170. Sheet 110 preferably comprises middle section 112. Middle section 112 comprises at least one first fastener. First fastener preferably comprises at least one zipper 114 as shown best in FIGS. 2 & 3. Zipper 114 is located on a front section of removably attachable body-suit 130, such that removably attachable body-suit 130 may be opened and closed around a torso of individual 180.

Middle section 112 also comprises at least one second fastener. The second fastener preferably comprises at least one snap 116 that removably attaches to fabric extension member 150. Fabric extension member 150 comprises a piece of fabric sewn to the back of removably attachable body-suit 130 as shown best in FIGS. 2 & 3. Snap 116 is preferably located on a bottom section of removably attachable body-suit 130, such that removably attachable body-suit 130 may be opened and closed around the legs of individual 180.

Fabric extension member 150 preferably permits a pre-determined movement distance for individual 180 in relation to mattress 170 as shown best in FIGS. 2 & 3. Further, fabric extension member 150 may act as a restrainer for individual 180. Removably attachable body-suit 130 may be fastened to sheet 110 such that individual 180 is kept positioned on sheet 110 within confines of infant-support-assembly 160 to prevent individual 180 from rolling on and falling off mattress 170 as shown best in ‘in-use condition 106 of FIG. 1. Removably attachable body-suit 130 is donnable over clothing of individual 180. Individual 180 preferably is an infant, however individual 180 may also be a non-infant such as a special needs adult that needs to be confined to a restricted area of mattress 170.

Infant bed support systems 100 may be sold as kit 540 comprising sheet 110 having a plurality of band(s) 120; removably attachable body-suit 130; and a set of user-instructions Other removably attachable body suit(s) 130 may be included within kit 540 of varying sizes or the like. Infant bed support systems 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized suits, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 6. showing a method (at least herein embodying method of use 400) of using infant bed support systems 100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one 401 attaching infant-support-assembly 160 to a mattress 170; step two 402 donning individual 180 with removably attachable body-suit 130; step three 403 thereby restraining individual 180 from rolling off mattress 170; and step four 404 (optionally) removing and storing infant-support-assembly 160 for at least one future use in a remote location.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

1. An infant bed support system comprising: a sheet having a plurality of bands, said bands each comprising a first end and a second end and a middle portion joining said first end and said second end; a removably attachable body-suit; wherein said removably attachable body-suit and said sheet in combination comprise a infant-support-assembly; wherein said plurality of bands attach about a mattress, wherein said mattress has a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface; wherein said right sidewall, said left sidewall, said top sidewall, said bottom sidewall, said top surface, and said bottom surface comprise an exterior of said mattress; wherein said first end(s) of said band(s) are fixedly attached to said sheet; wherein said second end(s) of said band(s) are attachable to said middle portion of said band such that said bands are strapped around said exterior of said mattress; wherein said sheet is located on said top surface of said mattress; wherein said removably attachable body-suit is fastened to said sheet such that an individual is kept positioned on said sheet within confines of said infant-support-assembly to prevent said individual from rolling on and falling off said mattress.
 2. The infant bed support system of claim 1 wherein said bands comprise fabric.
 3. The infant bed support system of claim 2 wherein said bands further comprise hook and loop fasteners.
 4. The infant bed support system of claim 3 wherein said hook and loop fasteners are located on said second end(s) of said band(s).
 5. The infant bed support system of claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a middle section, wherein said middle section comprises at least one first fastener.
 6. The infant bed support system of claim 5 wherein said at least one first fastener comprises at least one zipper.
 7. The infant bed support system of claim 6 wherein said middle section comprises at least one second fastener.
 8. The infant bed support system of claim 7 wherein said at least one second fastener comprises at least one snap that removably attaches to a piece of fabric sewn to the back of said removably attachable body-suit.
 9. The infant bed support system of claim 1 wherein said removably attachable body-suit is donnable over clothing of said individual.
 10. The infant bed support system of claim 9 wherein said individual is a baby.
 11. The infant bed support system of claim 9 wherein said individual is a non-baby.
 12. The infant bed support system of claim 11 wherein said non-baby is a special needs adult.
 13. The infant bed support system of claim 1 wherein said removably attachable body-suit comprises a restrainer.
 14. The infant bed support system of claim 8 wherein said at least one snap is located on a bottom section of said removably attachable body-suit, such that said removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around legs of said individual.
 15. The infant bed support system of claim 6 wherein said zipper is located on a front section of said removably attachable body-suit, such that said removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around a torso of said individual.
 16. The infant bed support system of claim 1 further comprising a fabric extension member whereby said removably attachable body-suit is removably attached to said sheet permitting a pre-determined movement distance for said individual in relation to said mattress.
 17. An infant bed support system comprising: a sheet having a plurality of bands, said bands each comprising a first end and a second end and a middle portion joining said first end and said second end; a removably attachable body-suit; a fabric extension member; wherein said removably attachable body-suit, said fabric extension member and said sheet in combination comprise a infant-support-assembly; wherein said fabric extension member is connected to said removably attachable body-suit which is removably attached to said sheet permitting a pre-determined movement distance for said individual in relation to said mattress; wherein said plurality of bands attach about said mattress, wherein said bands comprise at least one fabric; wherein said bands comprise hook and loop fasteners; wherein said hook and loop fasteners are located on said second end(s) of said band(s); wherein said sheet comprises a middle section, wherein said middle section comprises at least one first fastener and at least one second fastener; wherein said at least one first fastener comprises at least one zipper; wherein said zipper is located on a front section of said removably attachable body-suit, such that said removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around a torso of said individual; wherein said at least one second fastener comprises at least one snap that removably attaches to a piece of fabric sewn to a back of said removably attachable body-suit; wherein said at least one snap is located on a bottom section of said removably attachable body-suit, such that said removably attachable body-suit may be opened and closed around legs of said individual; wherein said removably attachable body-suit is donnable over clothing of said individual; wherein said individual is a baby or a non-baby; wherein said mattress has a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a top surface, and a bottom surface; wherein said right sidewall, said left sidewall, said top sidewall, said bottom sidewall, said top surface, and said bottom surface comprise an exterior of said mattress; wherein said first end(s) of said band(s) are fixedly attached to said sheet; wherein said second end(s) of said band(s) are attachable to said middle portion of said band such that said bands are strappable around said exterior of said mattress; wherein said removably attachable body-suit comprises a restrainer; wherein said sheet is located on said top surface of said mattress; and wherein said removably attachable body-suit is fastened to said sheet such that said individual is kept positioned on said sheet within confines of said infant-support-assembly to prevent said individual from rolling on and falling off said mattress.
 18. The infant bed support system of claim 17 comprising a kit including: said sheet having said plurality of bands; said at least one removably attachable body-suit; and a set of user-instructions.
 19. A method of using an infant bed support system comprising the steps of: attaching an infant-support-assembly to a mattress; donning an individual with a removably attachable body-suit; and thereby restraining said individual from rolling off of said mattress.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of removing and storing said infant-support-assembly for at least one future use in a remote location. 